STANMORE could face “all-out war” between residents and students as tensions brew over partying and anti-social behaviour, a petitioner warned.

Residents are calling for immediate restrictions on houses in multiple occupation (HMOs) to prevent further 'studentification' of the estate, which has seen major demographic changes as Winchester University takes on more freshers.

The petition, which has more than 150 signatures, said Stanmore is at “breaking point” with late parties keeping children awake, anti-social behaviour, parking, litter and inflation of house prices by investors converting family homes into HMOs for students.

William Gledhill, a former soldier, of Green Jacket Close, said: “It's absolutely horrendous. It's like being back in Northern Ireland.

“The animosity is building year on year. They do not care about the residents that live here at all.”

Petition creator Amanda Chard, of Drayton Street, said: “It's not far off all-out war between long-time residents, who've been here for 15 and 20 years, and students. I keep imagining The Simpsons, when they're going around with the pitchforks.”

Not everyone causes problems, she added, but those who do often blame locals for “moving into a student area”.

The university is planning a new campaign to inform students of their responsibilities in the community and the consequences of anti-social behaviour.

In a statement, Winchester Student Union said: “We have had numerous complaints from our residential neighbours about night-time noise and anti-social behaviour in the community.

“These complaints serve to bring the university into disrepute and jeopardise the Student Union's late night license. If you are caught engaged in late noise or antisocial behaviour in the community, both the Student Union and university will take decisive disciplinary action.”

A university spokesman offered no comment when asked what punishments were available, but student union president Naomi Carter told the Hampshire Chronicle that students could be barred from union premises or made to pick litter.

She said: “We do maintain a good relationship with our residents, but it seems that this year there's been particularly extreme issues.”

The university has accepted record numbers of students in each of the last two years without rooms to house them. Ms Carter said the growing student population in private rented accommodation could explain the rising tensions.

“If there are more students around the noise and what-not can increase,” she said.

Stanmore councillor Jamie Scott said an “anti-student campaign” would be counter-productive and called for positive engagement between groups.

“This petition isn't going to change anything,” he said. “There will still be a lot of students in Stanmore.

“We want to do some positive work in our community. Students will be playing a pro-active role.”

Petitioners are calling on councillors to bring forward a proposed rule forcing landlords to get planning permission before converting houses into HMOs.

The restriction is set to be introduced with the city's Local Plan Part Two in summer 2016.